Fastener

ABSTRACT

A fastener wherein right and left side edge portions can be engaged using a magnetic force, and which can be applied preferably for plastic article such as clothes and further prevented from being opened carelessly even if a lateral pulling force is applied when right and left elements are engaged. In the fastener, a plurality of first and second magnetic elements having magnetism are provided in lines on a pair of first and second fastener tapes, the first and second magnetic elements are adsorbed to each other using a magnetic force, characterized in that the first and second magnetic elements have head portions, a leg portion, and engagement/disengagement portions formed at the head portions and mechanically engaged with or disengaged from each other between the first and second magnetic elements, the first and second magnetic elements are respectively disposed at predetermined intervals, the magnetic elements of one fastener tape are adsorbed to spaces between the adjacent magnetic elements of the other fastener tape, and the first and second magnetic elements are engaged with each other alternately.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a fastener for use in opening orclosing a fly of clothes, and more particularly, to a fastener in whichmagnetic elements supplied with magnetism by a magnet or the like areattached to opposing element attaching edge portions of a pair offastener tapes so as to engage opposing right and left magnetic elementsusing a magnetic force of the magnetic elements.

2. Description of the Related Art

A fastener which opens or closes a fly of clothes using a magnetic forceof a magnet has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,399,595. In thefastener disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,399,595, magnets are provided onopposing side edge portions of a fly portion of clothes at apredetermined interval such that N pole and S pole come alternately. Byoverlapping the front face of one side edge portion with the rear faceof the other side edge portion, the N pole and S pole of the magnetsprovided on the side edge portions are attracted to each other by amagnetic force, so that the right and left side edge portions are fittedto each other. To release the fitting of the right and left side edgeportions, the position of the magnet provided on one side edge portionis shifted in the longitudinal direction by releasing means so as tooppose the same poles of the magnets provided on the respective sideedge portions, so that they repel each other. Consequently, the fittedright and left side edge portions can be separated easily.

In the fastener of U.S. Pat. No. 4,399,595, a projecting tab projectingin the direction from the front face to the rear face is formed on oneside edge portion, and a concave portion in which the projecting tab isfitted is formed in the other side edge portion. For this reason, whenthe right and left side edge portions are overlapped to be fitted, theprojecting tab invades into the concave portion. Consequently, even if alateral pulling force is received when the right and left side edgeportions are fitted to each other, the right and left side edge portionscan be prevented from being separated by the lateral pulling force.

On the other hand, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open(JP-A) No. 60-261404 has disclosed a magnet fastener in which a basematerial of opposing right and left side edge portions is made of amagnetic material such as iron and a magnet is attached to part of eachside edge portion to thereby attract the right and left side edgeportions or magnets to each other using a magnetic force of the magnet.

JP-A-60-261404 has disclosed a magnet fastener in which magnets areprovided on side edge portions having a T-shaped section made of ahighly rigid magnetic material or on right and left side edge portionshaving a L-shaped section as an embodiment of the magnet fastener. Whenthe right and left side edge portions of the magnet fastener areattracted to each other, parts of the right and left side edge portionshaving the T-shaped section or the L-shaped section stood in a heightdirection from the proximal end face of the side edge portion are hookedon each other, and at the same time, the right and left side edgeportions made of a magnetic material are attracted to each other usingthe magnetic force of the magnets so as to close the fastener.

As another embodiment, JP-A-60-261404 has disclosed a magnet fastener inwhich magnets are attached to ends of right and left side edge portionsto close the right and left side edge portions when the magnets attracteach other.

The magnet fastener described in JP-A-60-261404 as the embodiment opensor closes the right and left side edge portions using a magnetic forceof the magnet. For the reason, according to JP-A-60-261404, the rightand left side edge portions can be opened or closed from a halfwayposition without use of any slider. This makes it possible to preventinconvenience due to use of the slider, for example, reduction of theservice life due to catching of the slider or wearing of the fastener.

Although the fastener described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,399,595 orJP-A-60-261404 in which the right and left side edge portions are madeinto contact with or fitted to each other using a magnetic force hassuch an advantage that it can be opened or closed without use of anyslider, it has following disadvantages. In the fastener described inU.S. Pat. No. 4,399,595, the right and left side edge portions eachhaving a magnet are made into contact with each other such that they areoverlapped vertically. Consequently, the side edge portions made intocontact become thick and stiff, and for this reason, the fastener is notsuitable for such applications as a fly of plastic clothes, an openingin a bag, and the like.

On the other hand, if in the fastener described in JP-A-60-261404, theright and left side edge portions are made of a magnetic material havinga high rigidity, the fastener itself becomes stiff. Therefore, such afastener cannot be applied to a fly of plastic clothes, an opening in abag, and the like, and consequently, the application of the fastener islimited.

The magnet fastener disclosed in JP-A-60-261404 as another embodiment,that is, the magnet fastener which closes the right and left side edgeportions by allowing magnets attached to the right and left side edgeportions to attract each other may be used for such applications as afly of clothes, an opening in a bag and the like by attaching the magnetdirectly to the end of the tape having plasticity. However, if themagnet fastener which attracts the magnets just directly receives alateral pulling force from both sides of the fastener when the right andleft side edge portions keep firm contact by means of the magnetic forceof the magnet, the magnet fastener cannot withstand this lateral pullingforce if nothing but the attraction force produced by the magnetic forceof the magnet is employed. Consequently, the right and left side edgeportions may be opened easily at a position receiving the lateralpulling force. Therefore, if the fastener which closes using only themagnetic force of the magnet is used at a fly of clothes or the like,there often occurs a fault that the right and left side edge portionsmay open carelessly when a user wears the clothes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been achieved in views of the conventionalproblems, and an object of the invention is to provide a fastener inwhich right and left side edge portions can be engaged using a magneticforce, and which can be applied preferably for a plastic article such asclothes and further prevented from being opened carelessly even if alateral pulling force is received when right and left elements areengaged.

To achieve the above-described object, according to an aspect of thepresent invention, there is provided a fastener in which a plurality offirst and second magnetic elements made of synthetic resin havingmagnetism are respectively provided in lines at predetermined intervalsalong opposing element attaching edge portions of a pair of first andsecond fastener tapes and the opposing right and left first and secondmagnetic elements are adsorbed to with each other using a magneticforce, mainly characterized in that the first and second magneticelements magnetic elements have head portions, leg portions to beattached to the element attaching edge portions, andengagement/disengagement portions formed on the head portions andmechanically engaged with or disengaged from each other between theopposing first and second magnetic elements, the first and secondmagnetic elements are respectively disposed on the respective elementattaching edge portions of the first and second fastener tapes atpredetermined intervals, the magnetic elements of one fastener tape ofthe fastener tapes are adsorbed to spaces between the adjacent magneticelements of the other fastener tape of the fastener tapes, and theopposing first and second magnetic elements are engaged with each otheralternately.

In the fastener of the invention, it is preferable that the opposingright and left first and second magnetic elements are adsorbed to eachother using a magnetic force which occurs along a longitudinal directionof the fastener tapes or a magnetic force which occurs along a widthdirection of the fastener tapes due to the magnetism of the first andsecond magnetic elements.

In the fastener of the invention, it is preferable that theengagement/disengagement portions consist of: engagement/disengagementconvex portions formed on the head portions of the first magneticelements and/or the second magnetic elements; andengagement/disengagement concave portions formed in the head portions ofthe second magnetic elements and/or the first magnetic elements andcapable of being fitted with the engagement/disengagement convexportions.

In addition, in the fastener of the invention, it is preferable that thehead portions of the first and second magnetic elements have firstopposing faces and second opposing faces opposing the head portions ofthe mating magnetic elements in back and forth directions of thelongitudinal direction of the first and second fastener tapes, theengagement/disengagement convex portions are disposed on the firstopposing faces and the engagement/disengagement concave portions aredisposed on the second opposing faces, and when the first magneticelements and the second magnetic elements are engaged with each other,the engagement/disengagement convex portion are fitted in theengagement/disengagement concave portion.

Further, it is possible that the engagement/disengagement portionsconsist of: surface side engagement/disengagement portions, which areformed on surface sides of the head portions of the first and secondmagnetic elements so as to be inclined with a predetermined angle withrespect to the longitudinal direction of the first and second fastenertapes, and have front end portions and rear end portions respectivelyprojecting in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes fromfront surface portions and rear surface portions of the head portions;and rear surface side engagement/disengagement portions , which areformed on rear surface sides of the head portions so as to be inclinedsymmetrically compared with the surface side engagement/disengagementportions with respect to the longitudinal direction of the fastenertapes, and have the front end portions and the rear end portionsrespectively projecting in the longitudinal direction of the fastenertapes from the front surface portions and the rear surface portions ofthe head portions.

Furthermore, it is also possible that the engagement/disengagementportions consist of: front edge portions formed on the head portions andhaving an oval shape which is long in the longitudinal direction of thefastener tapes; and neck portions formed between the front edge portionsand the leg portions and having a constricted shape in the longitudinaldirection of the fastener tapes.

In the fastener of the invention, the first and second magnetic elementscan be formed by burying magnets upon injection molding of syntheticresin. In this case, it is preferable that the engagement/disengagementportions consist of: engagement/disengagement convex portions formedsuch that front end portions or the rear end portions of the magnetsburied in the head portions project from the head portions of the firstmagnetic elements and/or the second magnetic elements; andengagement/disengagement concave portions formed by steps betweenexternal faces of the head portions of the second magnetic elementsand/or the first magnetic elements and rear end faces or front end facesof the magnets and capable of being fitted with theengagement/disengagement convex portions.

In addition, in the invention, the first and second magnetic elementscan be formed by injection molding synthetic resin containing powder ofa magnetic material and magnetizing the magnetic material.

Further, in the fastener of the invention, the first and second magneticelements include: recessed groove portions or projecting portions onfront edge faces in a width direction of the head portions; and theprojecting portions or the recessed groove portions on side faces of theleg portions opposing the front edge faces of the mating magneticelements, and wherein the projecting portions are fitted in the recessedgroove portions when the first and second magnetic elements are engagedwith each other.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the fastener of the inventionincludes a slider having an upper blade, a lower blade, and upper andlower flanges disposed in a perpendicular direction along right and leftside edges of the upper blade and the lower blade, the slider beingloaded on right and left element rows of the magnetic elements so as toengage or disengage the magnetic elements, wherein the first and secondmagnetic elements are so formed that the head portions are thicker in aheight direction than the leg portions so as to be insertable into aguide passage in the slider, and the magnetic elements have protrudingportions protruding in the height direction from both of front and rearfaces of the leg portions so that the protruding portions make a slidingcontact with the external faces of the upper and lower flanges, therebyguiding the slider.

In the fastener of the invention, each of the magnetic elements arrangedin lines at predetermined intervals along the opposing element attachingedge portions of the pair of first and second fastener tapes includes ahead portion, a leg portion and a mechanical engaging/disengagingportion formed on the head portion. In addition, in the fastener of theinvention, the opposing right and left first and second magneticelements are engaged with each other alternately using a magnetic force,and the engagement/disengagement portions formed on the first and secondmagnetic elements are mechanically engaged with each other.

In this kind of fastener of the invention, since the right and leftfirst and second magnetic elements are adsorbed to each other by themagnetic force, the first and second magnetic elements do not overlap inthe height direction and engaged alternately and the thickness of aportion in which the magnetic elements are engaged is never increased,so that the fastener does not become stiff when the fastener is closed.Therefore, the fastener of the invention can be used preferably for aplastic articles such as clothes. Further, when the first and secondmagnetic elements are engaged with each other, theengagement/disengagement portions formed on the head portions aremechanically engaged with each other and a strong engagement strengthcan be obtained between the first and second magnetic elements.Accordingly, even if a lateral pulling force is received, the engagementstate of the magnetic elements is maintained, so that the magneticelements can be prevented from being separated carelessly and opened.

In the invention, the opposing right and left first and second magneticelements have a magnetic force which occurs along a longitudinaldirection of the fastener tapes or a magnetic force which occurs along awidth direction of the fastener tapes due to the magnetism of the firstand second magnetic elements. Especially, the first and second magneticelements are formed with the direction of magnetic poles conformed, suchthat the magnetic poles on the same side in the longitudinal directionor the width direction of the fastener tapes serve as the same poleswhen the elements are engaged.

Accordingly, the adsorption between the first and second magneticelements by the magnetic force is stabilized and the closing of thefastener is carried our securely. Further, in such a case that therespective magnetic elements are formed so as to have the magnetic polesdirected in the same direction when the elements are engaged, theorientation of the magnetic poles of the magnetic elements becomeseasier by adjusting the direction of the buried magnets or the directionfor magnetizing the elements and the simplification of the manufacturingprocess and the reduction of the manufacturing time can be attempted,compared with the fastener in which the magnetic poles of the respectivemagnetic elements are not uniform.

In addition, in the fastener of the invention, theengagement/disengagement portions consist of: engagement/disengagementconvex portions formed on the head portions of the first magneticelements and/or the second magnetic elements; andengagement/disengagement concave portions formed in the head portions ofthe second magnetic elements and/or the first magnetic elements andcapable of being fitted with the engagement/disengagement convexportion. Consequently, when the right and left first and second magneticelements are engaged with each other, their engagement/disengagementportions can be engaged securely, so that even if the lateral pullingforce is received, the engagement state of the first and second magneticelements can be maintained stably.

In this case, the head portions of the first and second magneticelements have first opposing faces and second opposing faces which facethe head portions of the mating magnetic elements in the back and forthdirection in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tape. Theengagement/disengagement convex portions are disposed on the firstopposing faces, and the engagement/disengagement concave portions aredisposed in the second opposing faces. Consequently, when the right andleft first and second magnetic elements are engaged with each other, theengagement/disengagement convex portions are engaged with theengagement/disengagement concave portions securely, and an excellentlateral pulling resistance can be obtained.

Further, the engagement/disengagement portions of the fastener of theinvention can consist of: surface side engagement/disengagementportions, which are formed on surface sides of the head portions of thefirst and second magnetic elements so as to be inclined with apredetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal direction of thefirst and second fastener tapes, and have front end portions and rearend portions respectively projecting in the longitudinal direction ofthe fastener tapes from front surface portions and rear surface portionsof the head portions; and rear surface side engagement/disengagementportions, which are formed on rear surface sides of the head portions soas to be inclined symmetrically compared with the surface sideengagement/disengagement portions with respect to the longitudinaldirection of the fastener tapes, and have the front end portions and therear end portions respectively projecting in the longitudinal directionof the fastener tapes from the front surface portions and the rearsurface portions of the head portions. Consequently, when the right andleft first and second magnetic elements are engaged with each other, thesurface side engagement/disengagement portions of the first and secondmagnetic elements and the rear surface side engagement/disengagementportions of the first and second magnetic elements can be engaged,respectively, so that an excellent lateral pulling resistance can beobtained.

Furthermore, the engagement/disengagement portions can consist of: frontedge portions formed on the head portions and having an oval shape whichis long in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes; and neckportions formed between the front edge portions and the leg portions andhaving a constricted shape in the longitudinal direction of the fastenertapes. Consequently, when the right and left first and second magneticelements are engaged with each other, an excellent lateral pullingresistance can be obtained.

In the fastener of the invention, the first and second magnetic elementsmaybe formed by burying magnets upon injection molding of syntheticresin. As a result, in the first and second magnetic elements, themagnetic force occurs in the longitudinal direction or the widthdirection of the fastener tapes, so that the magnetism such that thefirst magnetic elements and the second magnetic elements are adsorbed toeach other can be obtained easily.

In this case, herein the engagement/disengagement portions can consistof: engagement/disengagement convex portions formed such that front endportions or the rear end portions of the magnets project from the headportions of the first magnetic elements and/or the second magneticelements; and engagement/disengagement concave portions formed by stepsbetween external faces of the head portions of the second magneticelements and/or the first magnetic elements and rear end faces or frontend faces of the magnets. Consequently, production of theengagement/disengagement portion is facilitated, and when the right andleft first and second magnetic elements are engaged with each other, themagnets buried in the respective magnetic element face directly themagnets buried in the mating magnetic elements or makes contacttherewith. As a result, the engagement state of the magnetic elementscan be stabilized by using the magnetic force of the magnetseffectively.

On the other hand, the first and second magnetic elements may be formedby injection molding synthetic resin containing powder of a magneticmaterial and magnetizing the magnetic material. Even if the first andsecond magnetic elements are formed as above, the magnetism such thatthe first magnetic elements and the second magnetic elements areadsorbed to each other can be obtained easily.

Further, according to the invention, the first and second magneticelements include: recessed groove portions or projecting portions onfront edge faces in a width direction of the head portions; and theprojecting portions or the recessed groove portions on side faces of theleg portions opposing the front edge faces of the mating magneticelements. Consequently, the projecting portions are fitted in therecessed groove portions when the right and left first and secondmagnetic elements are engaged with each other. As a result, theengagement state of the magnetic elements is stabilized extremely, andeven if the fastener receives, for example, a push-up force in theheight direction of the elements, the engagement of the magneticelements can be blocked from being released.

Further, according to the invention, the fastener includes a sliderhaving an upper blade, a lower blade, and upper and lower flangesdisposed in a perpendicular direction along right and left side edges ofthe upper blade and the lower blade, the slider being loaded on rightand left element rows so as to engage or disengage the magneticelements. In addition, the first and second magnetic elements are soformed that the head portions are thicker in a height direction than theleg portions so as to be insertable into a guide passage in the slider,and the magnetic elements have protruding portions protruding in theheight direction from both of front and rear faces of the leg portionsso that the protruding portions make a sliding contact with the externalfaces of the upper and lower flanges, thereby the slider can be guided.Because the magnetic elements have a specified shape, the fastener canbe opened or closed very smoothly by engaging or disengaging themagnetic elements using the slider.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONN OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a magnetic element ofa fastener according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front view showing part of the fastener;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration ofa separable bottom end stop attached to a rear end of a fastener tape;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing magnetic elements ofa fastener according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a front view showing part of the fastener;

FIG. 6 is a front view showing part of a modification of the fasteneraccording to the second embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a front view showing part of another modification of thefastener according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing magnetic elements ofa fastener according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a front view showing part of the fastener;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a magnetic elementof a fastener according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a front view showing part of the fastener;

FIG. 12 is a front view schematically showing part of a fasteneraccording to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view schematically showing magnetic elements ofa fastener according to a sixth embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a front view schematically showing part of a fasteneraccording to the sixth embodiment; and

FIG. 15 is a front view showing part of another modification of thefastener according to the second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMETNS

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will bedescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In themeantime, the present invention is not restricted to any particular oneof embodiments described below, and maybe modified in various ways aslong as substantially the same configuration is possessed and the sameoperating effect is achieved.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a magnetic element of a fasteneraccording to a first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a front viewshowing part of the fastener according to the first embodiment,specifically indicating the magnetic element with a sectional view. Inthe description below, one direction in the longitudinal direction of afastener tape in FIG. 1 (upward direction in the figure) is set asforward, and the other direction (downward direction in the figure) isset as backward.

The fastener 1 of the first embodiment comprises a pair of first andsecond fastener tapes 2A, 2B and a plurality of first and secondmagnetic elements 3A, 3B made of synthetic resin. A core thread portion4 is formed at each of opposing side edges of the first and secondfastener tapes 2A, 2B, and a plurality of first and second magneticelements 3A, 3B are provided in lines at constant intervals alongrespective element attaching edge portions 5 including the core threadportions 4 of these first and second fastener tape 2A, 2B.

The first and second magnetic elements 3A, 3B are formed by injectionmolding synthetic resin with magnets 6 inserted, and include headportions 7 having magnetism, leg portions 8 to be attached to theelement attaching edge portions 5 of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B, andengagement/disengagement convex portions 9 and anengagement/disengagement concave portions 10 formed in the head portions7. In the invention, examples of the synthetic resin for forming thefirst and second magnetic elements 3A, 3B include thermoplastic resinsuch as polyamide, polyacetal, polypropylene, and polybutyleneterephthalate, and thermosetting resin such as urea resin and melamineresin.

The magnets 6 are buried in the head portions of the respective magneticelements 3A, 3B with N pole and S pole set forward and backward in thelongitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B, respectively.Consequently, respective magnetic elements 3A, 3B arranged on thefastener tapes 2A, 2B in lines have such magnetism that the magneticpoles on the same side in the longitudinal direction of the fastenertapes 2A, 2B are of the same pole, when the right and left magneticelements 3A, 3B are engaged with each other. In the meantime, accordingto the invention, the elements may be formed by reversing the magneticpoles of the respective magnetic elements. In addition, instead ofburying the magnets 6 in the head portions of the magnetic elements 3A,3B as discussed in the first embodiment, it is permissible, for example,to form magnetic elements by injection molding synthetic resincontaining a magnetic material, and then magnetize the magnetic elements(magnetizing in a strong magnetic field) to provide the head portions ofthe magnetic elements or the entire magnetic elements with magnetism.

The head portions 7 are formed in a rectangular shape, and have firstopposing faces 7 a and second opposing faces 7 b, which oppose the headportions 7 of the mating magnetic elements 3A, 3B, in the back and forthdirection in the longitudinal direction. The first opposing face 7 a (orthe second opposing face 7 b) of the one first magnetic element 3A facesthe second opposing face 7 b (or the first opposing face 7 a) of theother second magnetic element 3B. Further, the engagement/disengagementconvex portion 9 is formed on the first opposing face 7 a of the headportion 7, and the engagement/disengagement concave portion 10 is formedin the second opposing face 7 b.

The engagement/disengagement convex portion 9 projects cylindricallyfrom the first opposing face 7 a, and its front end face is formed in atapered shape which tilts downward toward the front edge in the widthdirection of the head portion 7. On the other hand, theengagement/disengagement concave portion 10 is formed with a stepbetween the second opposing face 7 b and the rear end face of the magnet6 buried internally. The leg portion 8 is formed so as to straddle thefront and rear faces of the element attaching edge portion 5 of each ofthe fastener tapes 2A, 2B and is longer than the head portion 7 in theback and forth direction of the longitudinal direction.

In the fastener 1 of the first embodiment, a separable bottom end stop11 as shown in FIG. 3 is formed by injection molding at the rear ends ofthe first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B. As the separable bottom endstop 11, for example, a separable bottom end stop as described inJP-A-2004-24809 may be used. If speaking briefly, in the separablebottom end stop 11, a holding member 12 is attached to a rear end of onefirst fastener tape 2A, and an insertion member 13 which can be fittedinto the side face of the holding member 12 is attached to a rear end ofthe other second fastener tape 2B. Disc-like sliding contact plates 14,15, which can be overlapped in the front-rear face direction, areprovided integrally at each front edge of the holding member 12 and theinsertion member 13. One of overlapping faces 16, 17 through which thesliding contact plates 14, 15 may be overlapped with each other has aninsertion convex portion 19, while the other has an insertion concaveportion in which the insertion convex portion 19 may be fitted. Inaddition, the overlapping faces 16, 17 have magnetic bodies 18 havingmagnetism.

In the separable bottom end stop 11, the holding member 12 and theinsertion member 13 are overlapped by adsorbing the sliding contactplates 14, 15 by the action of magnetism, and then, the insertion member13 is fitted in the holding member 12 by rotating at a predeterminedangle. As a consequence, the right and left magnetic elements 3A, 3B canbe engaged with each other successively from the ones disposed at therear end side of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B. In the meantime, theseparable bottom end stop to be formed on the fastener tapes 2A, 2B isnot restricted to this example, but other various separable bottom endstops may be formed. Instead of the separable bottom end stop, an endstop which just connects the rear end portions of the right and leftfastener tapes 2A, 2B may be used.

Next, a usage condition of the fastener 1 according to the above firstembodiment will be described.

First, with the sliding contact plates 14, 15 of the separable bottomend stop 11 overlapped with each other, the insertion convex portion 19is fitted to the insertion concave portion, and then, the insertionmember 13 is inserted into the holding member 12 by rotating the slidingcontact plates 14, 15. At the same time, the right and left first andsecond magnetic elements 3A, 3B disposed respectively at the rear endsof the first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B are engaged with eachother. Consequently, the magnetic elements 3A (3B) of one fastener tape2A (2B) are adsorbed to the spaces between the adjacent magneticelements 3B (3A) of the other fastener tape 2B (2A) using a magneticforce of the magnetic elements 3A, 3B which occurs along thelongitudinal direction of the fastener tapes. Therefore, the right andleft first and second magnetic elements 3A, 3B are engaged with eachother successively and alternately, as shown in FIG. 2, from the firstand second magnetic elements 3A, 3B disposed at the rear end side up tothe first and second magnetic elements 3 disposed at the front end side,thereby the fastener 1 can be closed. When the fastener 1 is closed, thefastener 1 never becomes stiff because the right and left first andsecond magnetic elements 3A, 3B do not overlap each other in the heightdirection of the elements.

In the fastener 1 of the first embodiment, the engagement/disengagementconvex portions 9 and the engagement/disengagement concave portions 10are formed in the head portions 7 of the magnetic elements 3A, 3B,respectively. Therefore, when the right and left first and secondmagnetic elements 3A, 3B are engaged with each other alternately, theengagement/disengagement convex portions 9 formed on the magneticelements 3A (3B) are inserted and fitted into theengagement/disengagement concave portions 10 formed in the matingmagnetic elements 3B (3A) to be engaged on the front side. Like this,the engagement/disengagement convex portions 9 are mechanically fittedto the engagement/disengagement concave portions 10, so that the lateralpulling resistance of the fastener 1 is improved. For this reason, thefirst and second magnetic elements 3A, 3B can be maintained in a stableengagement state even if the lateral pulling force is applied, therebypreventing the right and left first and second magnetic elements 3A, 3Bfrom being separated and opened carelessly. Further, because the frontend face of the engagement/disengagement convex portion 9 is formed in atapered shape, the engagement/disengagement convex portion 9 can beinserted into the engagement/disengagement concave portion 10 smoothly.In addition, since the engagement/disengagement convex portion 9 isinserted into the engagement/disengagement concave portion 10, it ispossible to prevent the magnetic elements 3A, 3B from being disengaged,even if the fastener 1 receives a push-up force or the like in theheight direction.

On the other hand, to separate the fastener 1 in a closed state, theengagement of the first and second magnetic elements 3A, 3B are releasedsuccessively from the first and second magnetic elements 3A, 3B disposedon the front end side of each of the first and second fastener tapes 2A,2B to disengage the holding member 12 and the insertion member 13 of theseparable bottom end stop 11 by rotation of the members, so that thefastener 1 can be separated easily.

Second Embodiment

Next, a fastener according to a second embodiment of the invention willbe described. In a description of the second embodiment and following,components having the same configuration as the first embodiment areexpressed with same reference numerals, and description thereof isomitted. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing magnetic elements of thefastener according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a front viewshowing part of the fastener of the second embodiment.

The fastener 21 according to the second embodiment comprises a pair offirst and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B and a plurality of first andsecond magnetic elements 22A, 22B arranged in lines at constantintervals along respective element attaching edge portions 5 of thefirst and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B.

The first and second magnetic elements 22A, 22B include head portions 27having magnetism in which magnets 6 are buried and leg portions 28,respectively. An engagement/disengagement convex portion 9 is formed ona first opposing face 27 a of the head portion 27 of each of the firstmagnetic elements 22A arranged in line on the first fastener tape 2A ofthe fastener tapes, and an engagement/disengagement concave portion 10is formed in a second opposing face 27 b of the head portion 27 of eachof the second magnetic elements 22B arranged in line on the other secondfastener tape 2B. On the other hand, neither theengagement/disengagement convex portion 9 nor theengagement/disengagement concave portion 10 is formed on the secondopposing face 27 b of the first magnetic element 22A and the firstopposing face 27 a of the second magnetic element 22B.

The head portions 27 of the first and second magnetic elements 22A, 22Bhave magnetism such that their front portions serve as N poles whiletheir rear portions serve as S poles. In addition, in the first magneticelements 22A having the engagement/disengagement convex portions 9formed on the first opposing faces 27 a, the magnets 6 are buried suchthat the rear end faces of the magnets 6 are exposed on the secondopposing faces 27 b. On the other hand, in the second magnetic elements22B having the engagement/disengagement concave portions 10 formed inthe second opposing faces 27 b, the magnets 6 are buried such that thefront end faces of the magnets 6 are exposed on the first opposing faces27 a.

Consequently, when the right and left first and second magnetic elements22A, 22B are engaged with each other, the faces, on which the magnets 6are exposed, of the first magnetic elements 22A and the second magneticelements 22B oppose each other, as shown in FIG. 5. Thereby, the rightand left first and second magnetic elements 22A, 22B are adsorbed toeach other with a stronger magnetic force, and they can be engaged witheach other easily and alternately.

In the fastener 21 of the second embodiment, a leg portion 28 of thefirst magnetic element 22A disposed on the first fastener tape 2A of thefastener tapes is formed longer than the head portion 27 backward in thelongitudinal direction, and a leg portion 28 of the second magneticelement 22B disposed on the other second fastener tape 2B is formedlonger than the head portion 27 forward in the longitudinal direction.Further, the respective magnetic elements 22A, 22B of the secondembodiment have a recessed groove portion 24 in a front edge face 26 inthe width direction of the head portion 27 and a projecting portion 25formed on a side face 29 of the leg portion 28. In the mean time,according to the invention, the projecting portion may be formed in thehead portion, and the recessed groove portion may be formed in the legportion.

Modifications of the fastener 21 of the second embodiment include afastener 21′ as shown in FIG. 6 and a fastener 21″ as shown in FIG. 7.In the fastener 21′, the leg portions 28 of both right and left firstand second magnetic elements 22A′, 22B′, are formed longer than the headportions 27 backward in the longitudinal direction. In the fastener 21″,the leg portions 28 of both right and left first and second magneticelements 22A″, 22B′′ are formed longer than the head portions 27 forwardin the longitudinal direction. The reason why the leg portions 28 areformed longer in the second embodiment and the modifications is toprevent the magnetic elements 22A, 22A′, 22A″ provided in line or themagnetic elements 22B, 22B′, 22B″ provided in line on the same fastenertapes 2A, 2B from being adsorbed to each other.

When the fastener 21 of the second embodiment described above is closed,the same separable bottom end stop as in the first embodiment isprovided at the rear end of the first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B,and the insertion member of the separable bottom end stop is insertedinto the holding member. Further, the right and left first and secondmagnetic elements 22A′, 22B′ are engaged alternately in succession fromthe first and second magnetic elements 22A, 22B disposed on the rear endside of the first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B, using a magneticforce which occurs in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes,as shown in FIG. 5. Consequently, the fastener 21 can be closed smoothlywithout becoming stiff.

In the fastener 21 of the second embodiment, both of theengagement/disengagement convex portion and the engagement/disengagementconcave portion are not formed in the head portion of one magneticelement 22A, 22B, unlike the first embodiment. However, theengagement/disengagement convex portions 9 are formed on the firstmagnetic elements 22A provided in line on the first fastener tape 2A ofthe fastener tapes, while the engagement/disengagement concave portions10 are formed in the second magnetic elements 22B provided in line onthe other second fastener tape 2B. For this reason, when the right andleft first and second magnetic elements 22A, 22B are engaged with eachother, the engagement/disengagement convex portions 9 formed on thefirst magnetic elements 22A are mechanically inserted into and fitted tothe engagement/disengagement concave portions 10 formed in the secondmagnetic elements 22B. As a consequence, the lateral pulling resistanceof the fastener 21 can be improved, so that the engagement state betweenthe first and second magnetic elements 22A and 22B can be maintainedstably.

Further, in the fastener 21 of this embodiment, the head portion 27 hasthe recessed groove portion 24 and the leg portion 28 has the projectingportion 25. Thus, when the right and left first and second magneticelements 22A, 22B are engaged with each other, the projecting portion 25of each of the magnetic element 22A, 22B is fitted to the recessedgroove portion 24 of each of the mating magnetic elements 22A, 22B.Consequently, the engagement state of the first and second magneticelements 22A, 22B is stabilized more, and even if the fastener 21 in anengagement state receives a push-up force or the like in the heightdirection, the magnetic elements 22A, 22B can be prevented fromdisengaged from each other more effectively. In the meantime, thefastener 21′ and the fastener 21″ shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 as themodifications of the second embodiment can obtain the same effect asthat of the second embodiment.

Third Embodiment

Next, a fastener according to a third embodiment of the invention willbe described. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing magnetic elements ofthe fastener of the third embodiment. FIG. 9 is a front view showingpart of the fastener of the third embodiment. In FIG. 9, representationof the fastener tape is omitted.

The fastener 31 of the third embodiment comprises a pair of first andsecond fastener tapes and a plurality of first and second magneticelements 32A, 32B provided in lines at constant intervals along elementattaching edge portions of the first and second fastener tapes.

Each of the magnetic elements 32A, 32B includes a head portion 37 havingmagnetism in which a magnet 6 is buried and a leg portion 38. Themagnets 6 are buried in first opposing faces 37 a and second opposingfaces 37 b of the head portions 37 such that the front end faces or rearend faces of the magnets are exposed. The magnet 6 has magnetism suchthat the front portion serves as N pole while the rear portion serves asS pole. As a consequence, the faces on which the magnets 6 are exposedoppose each other when the right and left first and second magneticelements 32A, 32B are engaged with each other, whereby the right andleft first and second magnetic elements 32A, 32B can be adsorbed to eachother and engaged alternately with each other easily with a strongmagnetic force.

Further, in the head portion 37 of each of the first magnetic elements32A provided in line on the first fastener tape of the fastener tapes,an engagement/disengagement convex portion 33 is formed at the rearportion of the front face side (side of the second opposing face 37 b) ,while an engagement/disengagement concave portion 34 is formed at thefront portion of the rear face side (side of the first opposing face 37a). In the head portion 37 of each of the second magnetic elements 32Bprovided in line on the other second fastener tape, theengagement/disengagement concave portion 34 is formed at the frontportion of the front face side, while the engagement/disengagementconvex portion 33 is formed at the rear portion of the rear face side.That is, the rear face of the first magnetic element 32A has the sameengagement/disengagement portion as that of the front face of the secondmagnetic element 32B, and the front face of the first magnetic element32A has the same engagement/disengagement portion as that of the rearface of the second magnetic element 32B. Consequently, when the rightand left first and second magnetic elements 32A, 32B are engaged witheach other, each engagement/disengagement convex portion 33 can beinserted into and fitted to the engagement/disengagement concave portion34 of the mating magnetic element. Particularly, in the fastener 31 ofthis third embodiment, the engagement/disengagement convex portions 33can be engaged with the engagement/disengagement concave portions 34 onboth of the front and rear faces of the first and second magneticelements 32A, 32B, alternately.

Further, in the fastener 31 of the third embodiment, the first magneticelement 32A has a shoulder portion 35, and the shoulder portion 35 isfitted to a notch portion 35′ of the second magnetic element 32B. Thesecond magnetic element 32B has a shoulder portion 36, and the shoulderportion 36 is fitted to a notch portion 36′ in the first magneticelement 32A. Consequently, if a force in the height direction of thefirst and second magnetic elements 32A, 32B and a force in a directiontwisting the fastener 31 are applied when the first and second magneticelements 32A, 32B are alternately engaged with each other and thefastener 31 is closed, for example, the opening of the fastener 31 canbe prevented effectively.

Further, the fastener 31 of this embodiment includes the same separablebottom end stop (not shown) as that of the first embodiment provided onthe rear ends of the first and second fastener tapes, and a slider 41.By sliding the slider 41, the right and left magnetic elements 32A, 32Bare engaged with or disengaged from each other. The slider 41 used inthe third embodiment includes an upper blade 42, a lower blade 43, upperflange 44 and lower flange 45 disposed in a perpendicular directionalong right and left side edges of the upper blade 42 and the lowerblade 43, and a diamond (not shown) stood between the central portion inthe right and left direction of the upper blade 42 and the centralportion in the right and left direction of the lower blade 43. AY-shaped element guide passage is formed inside of the slider 41.

In the first and second magnetic elements 32A, 32B, the head portions 37thereof are formed thicker than the leg portions 38 in the heightdirection such that the head portions 37 can be introduced into theelement guide passages of the slider 41. On each of the front and rearfaces of the leg portion 38, a protruding portion 39 protruding in theheight direction is formed. Consequently, when the slider 41 is loadedon the right and left element rows and slid, the protruding portions 39formed on the leg portions 38 make sliding contact with the externalface of the upper and lower flanges 44, 45 of the slider 41 as shown inFIG. 9, so that the slider 41 can be guided smoothly. Accordingly,engagement and disengagement of the right and left first and secondmagnetic elements 32A, 32B can be carried out securely so as to open orclose the fastener 31 very smoothly.

In the fastener which performs the engagement/disengagement using themagnetic force, once the right and left magnetic elements disposed atone ends of the element rows are engaged with each other, the magneticelements are engaged continuously in sequence from the magnetic elementsdisposed at one ends to the magnetic elements disposed at the otherends, like the embodiment 1 and the like. However, in the fastener 31 ofthe third embodiment, the slider 41 is provided with a lock mechanism,so that the slider 41 can be stopped halfway of the element rows. Thismakes it possible to maintain the right and left first and secondmagnetic elements 32A, 32B in a half opened state.

In the fastener 31 of the third embodiment, when the right and leftfirst and second magnetic elements 32A, 32B are alternately engaged witheach other, the thickness of the engaged portion is never increased,like the first embodiment and the like. Thus, the fastener 31 does notbecome stiff. In addition, when the right and left magnetic elements32A, 32B are engaged with each other, the engagement/disengagementconvex portions 33 are fitted to the engagement/disengagement concaveportions 34 on the front face and rear face of the magnetic elements32A, 32B alternately. Consequently, the lateral pulling resistance ofthe fastener 31 can be improved, so that the engagement state of themagnetic elements 32A, 32B can be maintained more stably.

Fourth Embodiment

Next, a fastener according to a fourth embodiment of the invention willbe described. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a magnetic elementof the fastener according to the fourth embodiment, and FIG. 11 is afront view showing part of the fastener of the fourth embodiment.

The fastener 51 of the fourth embodiment comprises a pair of first andsecond fastener tapes 2A, 2B and a plurality of first and secondmagnetic elements 52A, 52B provided in lines at constant intervals alongelement attaching edge portions 5 of the first and second fastener tapes2A, 2B. Further, each of the first and second magnetic elements 52includes a head portion 57 having magnetism in which a magnet 6 isburied, a leg portion 58, and an engagement/disengagement portion 56 a,56 b formed on the head portion 57.

The head portion 57 of each of the first and second magnetic elements52A, 52B has such magnetism that its front portion serves as N pole andits rear portion serves as S pole by means of the magnet 6. Further, themagnet 6 is buried in the head portion 57 such that the front end faceand rear end face of the magnet 6 are exposed on a first opposing face57 a and a second opposing face 57 b, respectively. Consequently, thefaces on which the magnets 6 are exposed oppose each other when theright and left first and second magnetic elements 52A, 52B are engagedwith each other, so that the right and left first and second magneticelements 52A, 52B can be adsorbed to each other and can be engaged witheach other alternately by a strong magnetic force.

Each of the first and second magnetic elements 52A, 52B has a surfaceside engagement/disengagement portion 56 a formed on a surface side ofthe head portion and a rear surface side engagement/disengagementportion 56 b formed on a rear surface side of the head portion. Thesurface side engagement/disengagement portion 56 a tilts at apredetermined angel with respect to the longitudinal direction of thefastener tapes 2A, 2B on the surface side of the head portion 57, andthe front end portion 54 and the rear end portion 55 of the surface sideengagement/disengagement portion 56 a project in the longitudinaldirection of the fastener tapes from the first opposing face 57 a and asecond opposing face 57 b of the head portion 57.

The rear surface side engagement/disengagement portion 56 b tiltssymmetrically compared with the surface side engagement/disengagementportion 56 a at a predetermined angel on the rear surface side of thehead portion 57, and the front end portion 54 and the rear end portion55 respectively project in the longitudinal direction of the fastenertapes from the first opposing face 57 a and a second opposing face 57 bof the head portion 57. That is, these surface sideengagement/disengagement portion 56 a and rear surface sideengagement/disengagement portion 56 b are formed on the front and rearfaces of the head portion 57, respectively, as if they cross each otherin an X-like shape when the magnetic elements 52A, 52B are seen from thefront and rear face sides.

In such a case that the fastener 51 of this embodiment 4 is closed, thesame separable bottom end stop (not shown) as that of the firstembodiment is provided at the rear ends of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B,and an insertion member of the separable bottom end stop is insertedinto a holding member. Further, the right and left first and secondmagnetic elements 52A, 52B are alternately engaged with each other asshown in FIG. 11 in sequence from the right and left magnetic elements52A, 52B disposed at the rear end sides of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B,using a magnetic force which occurs along the longitudinal direction ofthe first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B. Consequently, the fastener51 can be closed smoothly without becoming stiff.

At this time, on the front face side of the magnetic elements 52A, 52B,the surface, side engagement/disengagement portions 56 a respectivelyformed on the first and second magnetic elements 52A, 52B are engagedwith each other alternately, while on the rear face side of the magneticelements 52A, 52B, the rear surface side engagement/disengagementportions 56 b are engaged with each other alternately. Like this, theright and left surface side engagement/disengagement portions 56 a andthe rear surface side engagement/disengagement portions 56 b areengaged, so that the lateral pulling resistance of the fastener 51 canbe improved. In addition, since the surface sideengagement/disengagement portions 56 a and the rear surface sideengagement/disengagement portions 56 b of the magnetic elements 52A(52B) come into contact with the head portions of the magnetic elements52B (52A), if the fastener 51 receives the push-up force in the heightdirection, the disengagement of the magnetic elements 52A, 52B could beprevented effectively. Therefore, the engagement state of the first andsecond magnetic elements 52A, 52B can be maintained stably.

Fifth Embodiment

A fastener according to a fifth embodiment of the invention will bedescribed. FIG. 12 is a front view showing part of the fastener of thefifth embodiment, and FIG. 12 indicates a magnetic element with itssectional view.

The fastener 61 of the fifth embodiment comprises a pair of first andsecond fastener tapes 2A, 2B and a plurality of first and secondmagnetic elements 62A, 62B provided in lines at constant intervals alongelement attaching edge portions 5 of the first and second fastener tapes2A, 2B.

The first and second magnetic elements 62A, 62B includes head portions67 having magnetism in which magnets 6 are buried, leg portions 68, andengagement/disengagement convex portions 63 and engagement/disengagementconcave portions 64 formed on the head portions 67, respectively. Eachof the magnets 6 is buried in the head portion of each of the magneticelements 62A, 62B such that the front portion serves as N pole while therear portion serves as S pole in the longitudinal direction of thefastener tapes 2A, 2B. Consequently, the respective magnetic elements62A, 62B have magnetism such that that the magnetic poles on the sameside in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B are ofthe same pole, when the right and left first and second magneticelements 62A, 62B are engaged with each other, so that a magnetic forceof the first and second magnetic elements 62A, 62B occurs along thelongitudinal direction of the fastener tapes.

In the fifth embodiment, the head portion 67 is formed in a rectangularshape. A front end portion of the magnet 6 projects from a firstopposing face 67 a of the head portion 67 cylindrically so as to formthe engagement/disengagement convex portion 63. On the other hand, theengagement/disengagement concave portion 64 is formed with a stepbetween a second opposing face 67 b and the bottom end face of themagnet 6 buried internally.

When the fastener 61 of the fifth embodiment is closed, the sameseparable bottom end stop (not shown) as that of the first embodiment isprovided at the rear ends of the first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B,and an insertion member of the separable bottom end stop is insertedinto a holding member. Further, using the magnetic force which occursalong the longitudinal direction of the first and second fastener tapes2A, 2B, the right and left first and second magnetic elements 62A, 62Bare alternately engaged with each other as shown in FIG. 12 in sequencefrom the first and second magnetic elements 62A, 62B disposed at therear end side of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B. Consequently, the fastener61 can be closed smoothly without becoming stiff.

In the fastener 61 of the fifth embodiment, the engagement/disengagementconvex portion 63 and the engagement/disengagement concave portion 64are formed in the head portion 67 of each of the first and secondmagnetic elements 62A, 62B. For this reason, when the right and leftmagnetic elements 62A, 62B are engaged, the engagement/disengagementconvex portion 63 formed on each of the magnetic elements 62A, 62B isinserted into and mechanically fitted to the engagement/disengagementconcave portion 64 of the mating magnetic element 62A, 62B to be engagedon the front side. As a result, the lateral pulling resistance of thefastener 61 can be improved, and in addition, when the fastener 61receives a push-up force in the height direction, the engagement of themagnetic elements 62A, 62B can be blocked from being released.Therefore, the engagement state of the first and second magneticelements 62A, 62B can be maintained stably.

Particularly, in the fastener 61 of the fifth embodiment, the front endface of the engagement/disengagement convex portion 63 and the rear endface of the engagement/disengagement concave portion 64 are formed by amagnet. Thus, when the right and left magnetic elements 62A, 62B areengaged with each other, the magnet 6 buried in each of the magneticelements 62A, 62B opposes directly the magnet 6 buried in the matingmagnetic element 62A, 62B or comes into contact therewith. Therefore,the magnetic force of the magnet 6 can be used effectively, and theengagement of the first and second magnetic elements 62A, 62B can bestabilized more.

To prevent the respective magnets 6 from dropping out of the first andsecond magnetic elements 62A, 62B, a recess is preferably provided inthe center of the longitudinal direction of the magnet 6 to bury themagnet in the head portion 67 of each of the magnetic elements 62A, 62B.Consequently, the magnets 6 can be blocked from dropping out of themagnetic elements 62A, 62B when the fastener 61 is used.

Sixth Embodiment

A fastener according to a sixth embodiment of the invention will bedescribed. FIG. 13 is a perspective view schematically showing magneticelements of a fastener according to a sixth embodiment; and FIG. 14 is afront view schematically showing part of a fastener according to thesixth embodiment.

The fastener 71 of the sixth embodiment comprises a pair of first andsecond fastener tapes 2A, 2B and a plurality of first and secondmagnetic elements 72A, 72B proposed in lines at constant intervals alongelement attaching edge portions 5 of the first and second fastener tapes2A, 2B.

The first and second magnetic elements 72A, 72B have head portions 77and leg portions 78, respectively. Each of the head portion 77 has: afront edge portion 79 having an oval shape which is long in thelongitudinal direction of the fastener tapes; and a neck portion 80formed between the front edge portion 79 and the leg portion 78 andhaving a constricted shape in the longitudinal direction of the fastenertapes. The front edge portion 79 of one magnetic element 72A (72B) ofthe magnetic elements 72A, 72B can be engaged with or disengaged fromthe neck portion 80 of the other magnetic element 72B (72A).

Further, each of the first and second magnetic elements 72A, 72B hasgroove portions formed at a front face side and a rear face side of thehead portion of the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes.Cylindrical magnets 6 are attached with in the groove portions 75 of thefront face side and the rear face side, in such a condition that onebottom face 74 of the magnet 6 is directed to the front edge side of thehead portion while a side of the other bottom face of the magnet 6 isburied in the leg portion 78.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 14, the magnets 6 are attached such thatleft sides of the magnets in the width direction of the fastener tapes2A, 2B serve as N poles while right sides serve as S poles. As a result,when the right and left first and second magnetic elements 72A, 72B areengaged with each other, the respective magnetic elements 72A, 72B havemagnetism such that the magnetic poles on the same side in the widthdirection of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B are the same poles, so that amagnetic force of the first and second magnetic elements 72A, 72B occursalong the width direction of the fastener tapes.

When the fastener 71 of the sixth embodiment having such magneticelements 72A, 72B is closed, the same separable bottom end stop (notshown) as that of the first embodiment is provided at the rear ends ofthe first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B, and an insertion member ofthe separable bottom end stop is inserted into a holding member andoverlapped. At the same time, using the magnetic force which occursalong the width direction of the first and second fastener tapes 2A, 2B,the right and left first and second magnetic elements 72A, 72B arealternately engaged with each other as shown in FIG. 14 in sequence fromthe first and second magnetic elements 72A, 72B disposed at the rear endside of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B. Consequently, the fastener 71 can beclosed smoothly without becoming stiff.

In addition, in the sixth embodiment, as shown in the aforementionedthird embodiment (see FIG. 9), the slider can be provided which carryingout the engagement and disengagement of the first and second magneticelements 72A, 72B by sliding the element rows of the fastener 71. Byusing this kind of slider, the engagement and disengagement of the firstand second magnetic elements 72A, 72B can be carried out securely andthe opening and closing of the fastener 71 can be carried out smoothly.Further, if this slider is provided with a lock mechanism, the slider 71can be stopped halfway of the element rows.

Further, in the fastener 71 of the sixth embodiment, when the fastener71 is closed, the front edge portion 79 provided on the head portion 77of one magnetic element 72A (72B) is inserted into and mechanicallyfitted to the neck portion 80 provided on the head portion 77 of theother magnetic element 72B (72A). As a result, the lateral pullingresistance of the fastener can be improved when the fastener 71 isclosed, and if the lateral pulling force is applied, the engagementstate of the first and second magnetic elements 72A, 72B are stabilizedand maintained.

Furthermore, the magnet 6 of one magnetic element 72A (72B) enters intothe groove portion 75 of the other magnetic element 72B (72A), so thatif the fastener 71 receives a push-up force in the height direction, thedisengagement of the magnetic elements 72A, 72B can be preventedeffectively.

In the meantime, in the respective fasteners described in the first tosixth embodiments, the magnets are buried in the respective magneticelements so that a magnetic force occurs along the longitudinaldirection or the width direction of the fastener tapes and thereby, theright and left magnetic elements are adsorbed to each other. In theinvention, means for providing the magnetic elements with apredetermined magnetism is not limited to the above feature. Forexample, it is possible that the magnetic elements provided in lines onthe fastener tapes are formed by injection molding synthetic resincontaining powder of magnetic material such as metallic powder and then,a powerful magnetic field is added only to the magnetic elements or thehead portions of the magnetic elements in a predetermined direction andmagnetizing is carried out so as to generate a magnetic force in thelongitudinal direction or the width direction of the fastener tapes.

For example, a fastener 81 which is a modification of the fasteneraccording to the aforementioned second embodiment is shown in FIG. 15.First and second magnetic elements 82A, 82B disposed in the fastener 81shown in FIG. 15 are formed by injection molding synthetic resincontaining metallic power such as iron powder on the first and secondfastener tapes 2A, 2B.

Further, by adding a powerful magnetic field with respect to the headportions 87 of first and second the magnetic elements 82A, 82B along thelongitudinal direction of the fastener tapes 2A, 2B after the injectionmolding, the first and second magnetic elements 82A, 82B are magnetizedsuch that the front sides of the longitudinal direction of the fastenertapes of the head portions 87 serve as N poles while the rear sidesserve as S poles. Accordingly, the right and left first and secondmagnetic elements 82A, 82B can have magnetism in which the magneticpoles on the same side in the longitudinal direction of the fastenertapes are the same poles, so that the magnetic elements can be engagedwith each other alternately using the magnetic force occurring along thelongitudinal direction of the fastener tapes when the fastener 81 isclosed.

In the meantime, in the fastener 81 shown in FIG. 15, the magnetic fieldis added to the head portions 87 of first and second the magneticelements 82A, 82B and the respective magnetic elements 82A, 82B aremagnetized. However, in the invention, by adding the magnetic field tothe entire first and second magnetic elements 82A, 82B including the legportions 88 in the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes afterthe injection molding of the first and second magnetic elements 82A,82B, it is possible to provide the first and second magnetic elements82A, 82B with magnetism in which the magnetic poles on the same side inthe longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes are the same poles.

In addition, in the respective fasteners shown in first and third tosixth embodiments, it is also possible that the first and secondmagnetic elements containing magnetic material are injection molded andthen, magnetic field is added to the head portions of the elements orthe entire elements, so that the first and second magnetic elements aremagnetized such that the magnetic poles on the same side in thelongitudinal direction or the width direction of the fastener tapesbecome the same poles.

The invention is attached to an opening of a fly of clothes havingplasticity, an opening in a bag, or the like. The invention can beapplied to a fastener for opening or closing the opening using amagnetic force of a magnet.

1. A fastener, in which a plurality of first and second magneticelements made of synthetic resin having magnetism are providedrespectively in lines along opposing element attaching edge portions ofa pair of first and second fastener tapes and the opposing right andleft first and second magnetic elements are adsorbed to each other usinga magnetic force, wherein the first and second magnetic elements havehead portions, leg portions to be attached to the element attaching edgeportions, and engagement/disengagement portions formed on the headportions and mechanically engaged with or disengaged from each otherbetween the opposing first and second magnetic elements, the first andsecond magnetic elements are respectively disposed on the respectiveelement attaching edge portions of the first and second fastener tapesat predetermined intervals, the magnetic elements of one fastener tapeof the fastener tapes are adsorbed to spaces between the adjacentmagnetic elements of the other fastener tape of the fastener tapes, andthe opposing first and second magnetic elements are engaged with eachother alternately.
 2. The fastener according to claim 1, wherein theopposing right and left first and second magnetic elements are adsorbedto each other using a magnetic force which occurs along a longitudinaldirection of the fastener tapes due to the magnetism of the first andsecond magnetic elements.
 3. The fastener according to claim 1, whereinthe opposing right and left first and second magnetic elements areadsorbed to each other using a magnetic force which occurs along a widthdirection of the fastener tapes due to the magnetism of the first andsecond magnetic elements.
 4. The fastener according to claim 1, whereinthe engagement/disengagement portions consist of:engagement/disengagement convex portions formed on the head portions ofthe first magnetic elements and/or the second magnetic elements; andengagement/disengagement concave portions formed in the head portions ofthe second magnetic elements and/or the first magnetic elements andcapable of being engaged with the engagement/disengagement convexportions.
 5. The fastener according to claim 4, wherein the headportions of the first and second magnetic elements have first opposingfaces and second opposing faces opposing the head portions of the matingmagnetic elements in back and forth directions of the longitudinaldirection of the first and second fastener tapes, theengagement/disengagement convex portions are disposed on the firstopposing faces and the engagement/disengagement concave portions aredisposed on the second opposing faces, and when the first magneticelements and the second magnetic elements are engaged with each other,the engagement/disengagement convex portion are fitted in theengagement/disengagement concave portion.
 6. The fastener according toclaim 1, wherein the engagement/disengagement portions consist of:surface side engagement/disengagement portions, which are formed onsurface sides of the head portions of the first and second magneticelements so as to be inclined with a predetermined angle with respect tothe longitudinal direction of the first and second fastener tapes, andhave front end portions and rear end portions respectively projecting inthe longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes from front surfaceportions and rear surface portions of the head portions; and rearsurface side engagement/disengagement portions, which are formed on rearsurface sides of the head portions so as to be inclined symmetricallycompared with the surface side engagement/disengagement portions withrespect to the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes, and havethe front end portions and the rear end portions respectively projectingin the longitudinal direction of the fastener tapes from the frontsurface portions and the rear surface portions of the head portions. 7.The fastener according to claim 1, wherein the engagement/disengagementportions consist of: front edge portions formed on the head portions andhaving an oval shape which is long in the longitudinal direction of thefastener tapes; and neck portions formed between the front edge portionsand the leg portions and having a constricted shape in the longitudinaldirection of the fastener tapes.
 8. The fastener according to claim 1,wherein the first and second magnetic elements are formed by buryingmagnets upon injection molding of synthetic resin.
 9. The fasteneraccording to claim 8, wherein the engagement/disengagement portionsconsist of: engagement/disengagement convex portions formed such thatfront end portions or the rear end portions of the magnets buried in thehead portions project from the head portions of the first magneticelements and/or the second magnetic elements; andengagement/disengagement concave portions formed by steps betweenexternal faces of the head portions of the second magnetic elementsand/or the first magnetic elements and rear end faces or front end facesof the magnets and capable of being fitted with theengagement/disengagement convex portions.
 10. The fastener according toclaim 1, wherein the first and second magnetic elements are formed byinjection molding synthetic resin containing powder of a magneticmaterial and magnetizing the magnetic material.
 11. The fasteneraccording to claim 1, wherein the first and second magnetic elementsinclude: recessed groove portions or projecting portions on front edgefaces in a width direction of the head portions; and the projectingportions or the recessed groove portions on side faces of the legportions opposing the front edge faces of the mating magnetic elements,and wherein the projecting portions are fitted in the recessed grooveportions, when the first and second magnetic elements are engaged witheach other.
 12. The fastener according to claim 1, including a sliderhaving an upper blade, a lower blade, and upper and lower flangesdisposed in a perpendicular direction along right and left side edges ofthe upper blade and the lower blade, the slider being loaded on rightand left element rows of the magnetic elements so as to engage ordisengage the magnetic elements, wherein the first and second magneticelements are so formed that the head portions are thicker in a heightdirection than the leg portions so as to be insertable into a guidepassage in the slider, and the magnetic elements have protrudingportions protruding in the height direction from both of front and rearfaces of the leg portions so that the protruding portions make a slidingcontact with the external faces of the upper and lower flanges, therebyguiding the slider.